Earthquakes and Frank Yallop mutually agree to part ways

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and head coach Frank Yallop announced today that they have mutually agreed to part ways. Assistant coach Mark Watson has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2013 season. Watson’s first game as head coach will be Saturday, June 15 at the Colorado Rapids.

Statement from President Dave Kaval:

“After John and I met this week with Frank, we all decided that it was in all of our best interests for us to part ways. We would like to thank Frank for all his hard work and dedication over the past six years. He has led us to some great successes as a club, including last year’s Supporters’ Shield, and he has been a true professional during his time with the organization.”

Statement from Frank Yallop:

“Dave, John and I met earlier this week and we mutually agreed that it was time for the club and me to move in different directions. Mark Watson is an excellent coach and the team is in very good hands. I want to thank the entire Earthquakes organization for my time here. I want to thank the players and coaching staff that have been here over the past five and a half years. They made my job really enjoyable with their professionalism and hard work, especially last year, which was a magical season, and one I will never forget. The ownership group has been very supportive during my time here. I would also like to thank Dave and John for all their efforts to help me put the best team on the field, while also building a professional atmosphere for both players and staff. I want to thank the fans here as well. They have been great and really drove the team on and have been a big part of our success. I wish the organization all the very best in the future.”

Statement from General Manager John Doyle:

“I want to personally thank Frank for all of his efforts since 2007 to help make this club successful. He guided this team from an expansion side in 2008 to just one goal away from getting to the MLS Cup Final in 2010 and a Supporters’ Shield last year. I have enjoyed working with Frank over the past five and a half years and wish him well in all his future endeavors.”

Yallop spent eight-plus years with the Earthquakes over two different stints. He coached the team from 2001-2003, winning two MLS Cups during that time. He returned to the team prior to the Quakes’ return to MLS in 2008 and spent the past five and a half seasons at the helm. He won the MLS Coach of the Year award in both 2001 and 2012. The Quakes reached the playoffs in both 2010 and 2012, while also capturing the Supporters’ Shield in 2012. He posted a 99-86-72 regular season record during his time in San Jose and was 10-7-0 in the MLS Cup Playoffs.